Two sisters feared drowned in Cauvery River at Mekedatu

BENGALURU: A weekend trip turned tragic for a family after two sisters got washed away in the Cauvery River at Mekedatu under Sathanur police station limits near Boomasnadra village in Kanakapura in Ramanagar on Sunday afternoon.

The sisters, Lisa (12) and Mona (10), were the daughters of Rajnikanth Reddy, a Revenue Department inspector and a resident of Rajajinagar. Mr Reddy and his brother’s family, who live in Kanakapura, had planned the trip for Sunday.

Ten members from both families left home around noon and arrived at the spot around 2.30 pm. After lunch, the sisters and other family members ventured into the water. While playing, the sisters slipped and fell into the river. Mr Reddy caught them, but could not hold on to them as the current was strong, the police said.

The incident occurred around 3.15 pm, and the family members rushed to the local residents seeking help. The villagers then informed the police around 5 pm. The police arrived at the spot and launched a search operation with a team of 20 rescuers, consisting of fire and forest officials and local residents.

“The rescue operation began, but had to be called off around 7 pm as it turned dark. On Monday, the team again started the operation,” said a senior police officer.